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Just as there are many reasons to attend one of the US military schools, there are many courses to enroll in, too. They aspire to better themselves as well as the world around them.
Military schools in the United States are the best type of higher institution for achieving these goals.
There are various kinds of military schools, including colleges and high schools.
Yet military-focused universities are unique in offering four-year academic degrees and training for the armed forces.
Senior Military Colleges, Maritime Colleges, and Federal Service Academies give their students the best college education while preparing them for active duty.
Most of the time, students are referred to as “cadets,” and they engage in exercises that will help them become ready for life in the military, such as donning a uniform and carrying out assigned tasks.
In addition, they give them access to some of the world’s top educators, allowing them to get a liberal arts education that will benefit both their civilian and military careers.
This list examines the top military schools in the United States without focusing on one armed forces branch.
The institutions are rated using the most recent data on acceptance rates and school rankings.
This list will definitely help you to find the perfect military school for you and put you in the right direction toward academic self-improvement and serving the nation.
The Top 10 Military Schools in the US
Below is the list of the top 10 military schools in the United States in ascending order.
10. SUNY Maritime College (New York, NY)
The State University of New York Maritime College — the first maritime school in the country to be approved by the federal government — was established in 1874 to train and educate students who want to venture into the nautical paths.
At first, the institution was intended to boost the maritime economy, which had suffered during the American Civil War.
Currently, U.S. Coast Guard Licensing is also one of the degrees in the college’s offerings.
Students of the Coast Guard finish their studies via a process known as “INDOC.” Students will be given a 10-day introduction to fundamental leadership and seamanship during this training.
In the first year of their study, the “Mariner Under Guidance” year, the students are given assigned uniforms to wear and stand at attention whenever students of higher levels are around. Their rooms are also inspected daily.
The cadet classes at SUNY Maritime College are divided into regiments. Each regimen comprises a band, honor guard, and security company. All these groups have to take part in special occasions that are designed to prepare them for the ceremonial and formal facets of the Coast Guard job.
Rate of acceptance: 73%
9. Texas A&M – Galveston (Galveston, TX)
The Texas A&M University, Galveston, situated on Pelican Island, leverages its position around the ocean very well.
The university is home to the Texas A&M Maritime Academy, which is 1 of the only 7 naval schools in the U.S. for individuals seeking entry into the military. Texas A&M – Galveston provides different paths to join military service.
As a requirement for the Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, cadets strive to be commissioned as Naval officers. Students under the Strategic Sealift Officer Program work to be commissioned into the United States Navy Reserve Corps and licensed as Strategic Sealift Officers.
Students can also enter the U.S. Coast Guard through the Maritime Academy Graduate Direct Commission Officer Program. This can result in a 3-year commitment as a maritime officer.
Regardless of the program students may pick, every student attending the Texas A&M Maritime Academy is expected to serve on the USTS General Rudder, a decommissioned Navy surveillance vessel now being used as a training ship.
While serving on General Rudder, cadets gain valuable experience that will help develop the skills they need for commissioned service.
Rate of acceptance: 67%
8. Texas A&M – College Station (College Station, TX)
Texas A&M University at College Station, the primary campus of its school system, prides itself in having the greatest student body in the country of all public universities.
The Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets – one of its services to the students – is the oldest student society in the school and a signification that ranks the University as the largest senior military college in the country.
During the first three semesters in the school, members of the Corps of Cadets take part in the ROTC program, with the choice to continue their participation in later years. In addition to that, cadets are given leadership lessons in the School of Military Science.
Within the framework of the Corps, the institution provides various special units that the students can join.
The Ross Volunteer Company, the official Honor Guard for the Texas Governor, is the oldest student society in Texas. Seventy-two new cadets are promoted to the ranks every year. These days are selected from both the junior and senior pools for their humility, character, and honor.
Rate of acceptance: 67%
7. Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, VA)
The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, the military branch of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, has existed since the school was established.
The Corps offers a program designed for students pursuing careers in the civilian sector after graduation. It also has a military program for cadets in ROTC programs.
Cadets who graduate from the military-leader program are qualified to be commissioned into the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines.
Via the ROTC program, students can also win a scholarship that covers tuition and school fees and a monthly stipend.
Even though cadets integrate into the Virginia Tech student body and participate in the same events and activities as other students, they participate in several extra exercises.
For instance, cadets have to engage in the annual Caldwell March, starting with a 13-mile during the fall and another during the spring.
Rate of acceptance: 66%
6. Virginia Military Institute (Lexington VA)
Nicknamed “the West Point of the South” by Abraham Lincoln, the Virginia Military Institute was founded in 1839 and is the country’s oldest public sector senior military academy.
Recognized as a prestigious military institute, the Virginia Military Institute accepts only cadets and mandates that they all join the ROTC. Although VMI upholds strict military protocol, it also offers degrees in various disciplines, like the liberal arts.
Over the decades, the school has trained recipients of some of the highest honors in the world. Its alumni body boasts 13 Rhodes Scholars, 7 Medal of Honor recipients, and several holders and officers of public offices.
After finishing the Virginia Military Institute in 1901, George C. Marshall served as Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense. He also won the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1953.
Another notable school graduate is Frank McCarthy, who graduated in 1933. During World War II, he served in the war department as secretary of the general staff. He was also an Oscar-winning movie producer for the 1970 movie “Patton.” VMi is one of the top military schools in Virginia.
Rate of acceptance: 53%
5. United States Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point, NY)
When cadets graduate from the United States Merchant Marine Academy, they are awarded a bachelor of science degree and receive an unlimited merchant marine officer license in the United States Coast Guard, and commissioning either as an ensign in active duty for the United States Coast Guard or Navy or as an ensign in the United States Navy Reserve Strategic Sealift Officer Program.
In fact, some graduates get to be commissioned into active duty as a Second Lieutenant in the Army, Marine Corps, Space Force, or Air Force.
Such prestigious honors are not awarded cheaply. Graduates must maintain a commitment to serving in several ways.
This can be Merchant Marine sailing or even working in civilian sectors; however it may be, everyone is 9 obligated to continue their commission in the United States Navy for up to 8 eight years at least.
Statistics reveal that approximately one-third of the school’s graduates decide to proceed into the armed forces as commissioned officers for active duty, especially in the Navy.
Upon graduation, these cadets employ their training to become naval flight officers and submarine officer officers and can even be SEALs.
Rate of acceptance: 22%
4. United States Coast Guard Academy (New London, CT)
Individuals who want to enter the United States Military Coast Guard branch can enroll at the United States Coast Guard Academy for excellent and high-quality training.
As academy students, cadets gain relevant experience while learning the necessary skills to help them succeed in their careers. After graduating, cadets are commissioned as ensigns in the Coast Guard and must maintain service in active duty for a minimum of 5 years.
With a history spanning almost 150 years, the Coast Guard Academy has had its share of university traditions.
One of these particular traditions is called “hiding the chain”. During this event, freshmen cadets will take and hide the historic vision links that can be found outside the cadet library.
During the homecoming football match, the junior cadets must find the hidden chains before it’s halftime; otherwise, the freshmen will be given certain upper-classmen privileges.
Rate of acceptance: 18%
3. United States Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, CO)
Individuals interested in joining the newest addition to the U.S. armed forces – the Space Force – would want to consider enrolling in the United States Air Force Academy. Graduates of the school will be commissioned as officers in either the U.S. Air Force or the U.S. Space Force.
Being one of the most competitive military schools in the country, the US Air Force Academy restricts acceptance to only many cadets from each congressional district.
Successfully admitted cadets have their tuition fees and accommodation covered by the U.S. Air Force, in addition to getting a monthly stipend. This support doesn’t come for free; cadets pledge to commit at least 5 years of service in the Space Force or Air Force.
In addition to the quality military and academic training you’d expect of a school of such caliber, the Air Force Academy trains its students for modern defense via its Cyber Competition team. The team faces cadets from other armed forces academies in organized competition scenarios.
Rate of acceptance: 13%
2. United States Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD)
The United States Naval Academy, established in 1845, is the second-oldest military service academy in the country.
Its primary mission is to train officers of the United States Marine Corps or Navy, offering them every necessary rigorous military and academic instruction.
The US Naval Academy is incredibly competitive, like the other top 4 military academies. A sitting congressperson must nominate most candidates, and each member is limited to nominating a certain number of candidates each year.
Cadets will earn a scholarship that covers tuition, accommodation, and board, as well as frequently receiving a stipend in exchange for a 5-year commitment to service.
But it is laborious; there is no denying that. Cadets must endure “Plebe Summer” in their first year. The intense seven-week training is a physically and intellectually challenging crash course in army life that aims to eliminate unproductive civilian lifestyles.
Rate of acceptance: 9%
1. United States Military Academy (West Point, NY)
The United States Military Academy, the nation’s most well-known and toughest military institution, has prepared American soldiers for nearly 200 years.
The US Military Academy, established in 1802 by President Thomas Jefferson, instructs future Army officials on a picturesque campus.
One of the most selective military schools in the country, the Military Academy often requires a nomination from a serving member of Congress, the president, or the vice president.
Only 1,000 1,300 cadets enrolled yearly typically graduate because of the program’s legendary strict requirements.
Given its lengthy history, it’s not surprising that the Military Academy has established some distinctive traditions.
One such custom is the turning spurs on a bronze statue of Union General John Sedgwick. The tradition claims that failing students go to the statue in full parade regalia at midnight and spin the spurs, assuring they will pass their examinations the next day.
Rate of acceptance: 9%